Building Automation and HVAC Controls

Building Automation and HVAC Controls

As a property manager, general contractor, or commercial customer, you know that one of the most significant expenses for a commercial business is energy consumption. The majority of energy consumption is attributed to HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems. That’s why it’s essential to understand commercial automation and controls setup and cost differences. Modern automation and controls systems can significantly impact energy consumption, reduce costs, improve comfort, and enhance the building’s lifespan. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the basics of commercial building automation and HVAC controls, the differences in costs, and how these systems can benefit your commercial property in the digital age.

What is building automation and HVAC controls?

Building Automation refers to the ability to take human interventions in controlling equipment and systems, and control them automatically. In other words, automation enables a system to perform certain tasks without any human intervention. On the other hand, controls refer to the ability to turn equipment on or off and set parameters for that equipment to optimize performance. For example, HVAC systems have setpoints for temperature and humidity levels to provide conditioned air to maintain comfortable levels inside the building. Building Automation and HVAC controls combine to create a network of intelligent systems that can optimize energy usage and create a comfortable environment in your commercial building. This typically includes controls for temperature, air quality, and ventilation, among others.

What are the differences in cost?

The cost varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of the system, equipment required, and the size of the commercial property. A basic controls system could cost anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000, while a more advanced system with energy-efficient features and automation could cost up to $10,000 or more. However, it’s essential to consider the long-term costs and benefits of a commercial automation and controls system since the upfront investment can ultimately save your business money in the long run.

How can automation and controls benefit your commercial property?

Investing in a commercial automation and controls system can help decrease energy costs, improve equipment efficiency, and decrease maintenance costs. By automating specific systems in your commercial building, you’ll reduce energy consumption by monitoring and controlling temperature, lighting, and ventilation levels. This, in turn, will reduce energy costs and improve sustainability efforts.

Automation and controls can also help improve the equipment’s efficiency by identifying when maintenance is required, before issues occur. Proactive maintenance will keep equipment running smoothly, avoiding costly repairs, and saving your commercial property time and money.

Automation and controls provide flexibility by making it easier to change mechanical systems’ parameters, depending on the building’s usage levels, at a moments notice. And in an ever changing technological landscape, automation can also provide up to date critical information and alerts, allowing you total climate control and peace of mind no matter where you are. This is essential for commercial buildings with varying activity levels throughout the day like office buildings, grow facilities, shopping malls, and schools.

In summary, a commercial automation and controls system can significantly impact your commercial property’s energy consumption, maintenance costs, and equipment efficiency. It’s essential to understand the basics of automation and controls and the cost differences when choosing the right system for your commercial property. By investing in automation and controls, you’ll decrease energy costs, improve efficiency, and ultimately increase your building’s lifespan. So, what are you waiting for? Talk to a commercial HVAC system expert and explore the benefits of automation and controls systems to improve your commercial property today.

Level One HVAC has been serving the metro Detroit area for two decades, providing specialized HVAC services to commercial-industrial facilities. For more information about our building automation division please check out https://levelonehvac.com/building-automation/ . For a free estimate, or to schedule a consultation, please call #248-486-6500 or contact us here.